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Fake press card: what the law says in the UK

There is no specific UK offence of carrying a non-official press card or of “impersonating a journalist”. But using a fake or misleading press card dishonestly to gain an advantage can be fraud by false representation under the Fraud Act 2006, imitating police ID can be an offence under the Police Act 1996, and copying another organisation’s name or design can lead to civil action – as the PA news agency showed with a High Court injunction in 2021.

This page explains where the legal lines run, how to recognise a fake or worthless card, and how to make sure your own card is never a problem. It is general information, not legal advice.

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At a glance

Specific offence?: No dedicated offence identified for unofficial press cards
Fraud Act 2006 s.2: Dishonest false representation to make a gain or cause a loss (England, Wales, NI)
Police Act 1996 s.90: Impersonating a police officer with intent to deceive
Civil risk: Misusing a real organisation’s name or design

The legal position in England and Wales

What matters is how a card is used and what it claims.

Fraud by false representation

Section 2 of the Fraud Act 2006 makes it an offence to dishonestly make a false representation intending to make a gain or cause a loss. Using a card that falsely presents you as a journalist – or a card that falsely claims official status – to obtain free entry, goods or services could fall under this. The Act applies in England, Wales and Northern Ireland; Scotland deals with fraud under its common law.

Impersonating police

Section 90 of the Police Act 1996 makes it an offence to impersonate a member of a police force with intent to deceive, and restricts wearing articles of police uniform – which the Act defines to include distinctive badges or identification documents. A “press” card designed to look like police ID is therefore a very bad idea.

Using someone else’s name or design

In 2021 the PA news agency obtained a High Court injunction against an organisation selling cards under the names “Press Association” and “English Press Association”; PA’s barrister described them as essentially fake ID. Copying the UK Press Card design or an outlet’s logo can create similar civil liability.

Unofficial is not the same as fake

Association press cards like ours are not “fake”: they are openly issued by a named organisation, under published rules, and do not pretend to be the UK Press Card. A card becomes a problem when it lies – about who issued it, who holds it or what it entitles the holder to.

What the UK Press Card Authority says

The UKPCA warns against paid cards with false promises.

The UKPCA states that the UK Press Card grants no special rights over any other member of the public, and it criticises companies that sell cards claiming special advantages or VIP status. We share that criticism: no card should promise access, discounts or immunity. Our card makes no such claims, is not designed to resemble the UK Press Card and states clearly on every page what it is. Read the UK Press Card explained for the official scheme.

How to spot a fake or worthless press card

Checklist for organisers, press officers and buyers.

Warning signs

No named issuer or contact details
No way to verify the card online or by phone
Imitates police, government or UKPCA designs
Promises free entry, VIP status or immunity
Issued instantly without any check

Signs of a genuine card

Named organisation with published rules
Photo, name, number and expiry date
Verification hotline, register or QR code that matches the holder
Honest statements about limits

FJA cards: verify by QR code.

How to stay on the right side of the law

Simple rules for every card holder.

Use your card only for journalistic work. Never claim to work for an outlet you do not work for, never present the card as an official or police document, and never use it to obtain free goods, services or entry you would not otherwise receive. Do not lend it, and stop using it when it expires. If you make or buy a card as a prop, keep it at home. Our usage guidelines set this out in detail.

Frequently asked questions

Is it illegal to have a fake press card in the UK?

There is no specific offence for owning a non-official press card. Using a fake or misleading card dishonestly to gain an advantage can be fraud under the Fraud Act 2006.

Is it illegal to pretend to be a journalist?

There is no specific offence of impersonating a journalist. Dishonest false representations made for gain can be fraud, and impersonating police is a separate offence.

Are online press cards fake?

Not necessarily. A card from a named organisation with clear rules and verification is genuine, even if it is not a UK Press Card. A card that lies about its issuer or status is not.

Is the FJA press card legal?

Yes. It is an association press card openly issued by the Freelance Journalists Association. It does not imitate the UK Press Card and makes no claims of official status.

Can I make a press card for a film or costume?

Props are fine if they are clearly props, avoid real organisations’ names and designs, and are never used in real situations.

How do I report a suspicious press card?

For an FJA card, contact us with the card number. For a UK Press Card, use the UKPCA verification hotline. For suspected fraud, contact the police.

What should I do if I bought a worthless press card?

Stop using it, keep the payment records and contact the seller to ask for a refund. If you paid by card, your card provider may be able to help. If you were misled, consider reporting the seller to Action Fraud or Trading Standards via Citizens Advice.

How can organisers protect themselves against fake press cards?

Ask for evidence of the actual assignment, such as a commissioning email, and check published work. Verify cards that offer verification, and treat cards without any traceable issuer with caution.

Is it fraud to use a novelty press card as a joke?

Wearing a costume badge at a party is not the same as using a card to obtain access, goods or services. The problem begins when someone is misled into giving you something because of the card.

Is a fake press pass treated differently from a fake press card?

No. The same principles apply to fake event press passes and fake press cards: making one is not a specific offence, but using it to obtain access, goods or services by deception can be fraud. Event passes are also the organiser’s property, and copying them can lead to removal and further action by the organiser.

How can I tell what a genuine press card looks like?

A genuine card names its issuer, shows the holder’s photo, a card number and an expiry date, and can usually be verified. Our press card sample explains each element.

Sources and last review

Last reviewed: October 2026. This page is general information, not legal advice.